STAMFORD, CT – Mayor David Martin was joined by Director of Public Safety Ted Jankowski, the Chiefs of Stamford’s Police, Fire and EMS and other public safety officials to honor Public Safety Dispatcher (PSD) Courtney Lawler.

On May 27, 2016, Stamford’s 911 Communications Center received a call from an individual stating that her father was choking. PSD Lawler was on-duty and answered the 911 call. She immediately began performing Emergency Medical Dispatch and quickly identified the situation as a full airway obstruction.

“PSD Lawler’s quick thinking and professional demeanor saved a life, and I know the City and the Foster family are very thankful,” said Mayor Martin. “We expect a lot from our 911 dispatchers because they are who we call during our toughest, scariest moments in life. PSD Lawler’s response shows that our 911 dispatchers are well-trained, passionate and committed, even when facing a difficult situation.”

Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Ted Jankowski added, “In Public Safety, dispatchers are the first line of communication and usually deal with people who are having one of the worst days of their lives. They are the lifeline for residents, as is evident by the actions of PSD Lawler, who showed calm professionalism in saving Mr. Foster’s life. The work that the 911 dispatchers do ensures that appropriate help is dispatched and necessary lifesaving instructions are provided. 911 dispatchers are the unsung heroes of Public Safety.”

As the call went on (call transcript attached), PSD Lawler calmly and professionally instructed Ms. Leslie Foster in performing lifesaving actions to clear her father’s airway, saving Mr. Kenneth Foster’s life. PSD Lawler was commended for her work, professionally instructing and coordinating the lifesaving actions for Ms. Foster which directly resulted in saving Mr. Foster’s life.